Lecture 9: Attachment

• What is one of the long-term consequences of infant attachment classifications?

  Influence on children's development
• What does sensitivity refer to in attachment theory?

  Precursor to attachment security
• What are the phases in the development of attachment according to Bowlby?

  1. Pre-attachment: Birth to 1-2 months
  2. Attachment in making: 2-6 months
  3. Attachment: 7 months to 18 months/2 years
  4. Goal-corrected partnerships: 2 years onwards
• What is the first phase of attachment development?

  Pre-attachment
• What is a key behavior of infants in the pre-attachment phase?

  Indiscriminate social responses
• What is the age range for the attachment in making phase?

  2 to 6 months
• What behavior characterizes the attachment phase?

  Separation anxiety and stranger anxiety
• What is the primary attachment relationship typically associated with?

  The mother
• What are internal working models in attachment theory?

  Mental representations of attachment relationships
• Who influenced Bowlby’s concept of innate drive for attachment?

  Konrad Lorenz
• What did Lorenz's imprinting studies demonstrate?

  Infants bond with the first moving object
• What innate behaviors do infants exhibit to develop attachment?

  Crying and smiling
• What is the role of the primary caregiver as a secure base?

  Facilitates exploration and provides comfort
• What did Harlow's monkey studies reveal about attachment?

  Monkeys preferred comfort over food source
• What are the long-term consequences of attachment according to Bowlby?

  Influence on later development and relationships
• What is Bowlby’s concept of Internal Working Models influenced by?

  Piaget's theories
• What does a positive Internal Working Model indicate?

  Healthy beliefs about close relationships
• What is the Strange Situation designed to measure?

  Attachment classifications in infants
• What is a key behavior observed in the Strange Situation for secure attachment?

  Upset when caregiver leaves, soothed upon return
• What percentage of US infants are typically classified as secure?

  50-60%
• What characterizes insecure-resistant attachment?

  Clingy and upset, resists comfort
• What is a behavior of insecure-avoidant infants?

  Indifferent to caregiver, comforted by strangers
• What does disorganized/disoriented attachment involve?

  Confused or contradictory behavior towards caregiver
• What are the pros and cons of the Strange Situation?

  Pros:

  • Controlled lab environment
  • Correlates with naturalistic observations
  • Straightforward classifications
  • Inspired extensive research

  
  

  Cons:

  • Continuous dimensions may be more sensitive
  • Ethics of inducing distress
  • Culturally-specific measures
• What type of studies are needed as children grow older?

  Longitudinal studies
• What does secure attachment in infancy predict?

  Better outcomes in relationships and behavior
• What is one potential explanation for long-term effects of attachment?

  Internal Working Models shape personality
• How does secure attachment affect stress reactivity?

  Reduces reactivity to stress long-term
• What is Ainsworth’s sensitivity hypothesis?

  Sensitive caregiving fosters secure attachment
• What are the three key behaviors in Ainsworth’s measurement of sensitivity?

  Noticing, interpreting, responding to signals
• What does a highly sensitive parent do?

  Reads subtle signals accurately
• What is the importance of positive attitude in sensitivity research?

  Includes warmth, empathy, and affection
• What is the consistent pattern of sensitivity and attachment?

  • Secure: Responsive and affectionate
  • Insecure-avoidant: Insensitive and rejecting
  • Insecure-resistant: Inconsistent and overwhelmed
  • Disorganized: Intrusive and emotionally unavailable
• What is the significance of the Maternal Behaviour Q-sort?

  Measures maternal sensitivity during play
• What does the overall sensitivity score in the Q-sort indicate?

  Similarity to prototypically sensitive mother
• What is the focus of developments in sensitivity research?

  Quality of interactions across cultures
• What is the role of observational measures in sensitivity research?

  Assess behaviors in various contexts
• What is the significance of the video links provided?

  Illustrate sensitivity and attachment concepts
• How does sensitivity influence attachment relationships?

  Fosters secure attachment in infants
• What is the score based on similarity to a Q-sort for the prototypically sensitive mother?

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